Lord Ainscough gave short instructions to the driver toward Charlotte’s house first, and they were on their way.
As they neared her drive, Lord Ainscough helped her out and hurriedly escorted her to the door. When he kissed her hand goodbye, she noted a hint of color on his cheeks and wondered if she’d been the cause of it.
Once the door clicked closed and she made her way to her bedroom, she smiled at the image of oils bedecking Lord Ainscough’s shirt. But these reflections were quickly overshadowed by the memory she’d recalled at the park as it came fully into view now.
She and Christopher were in the nursery, and at the age of eleven, it was her very first dancing lesson. Alex had come to visit Christopher, and consequently, he had been directed to the nursery. Christopher was summoned as her dance partner first. After Charlotte stepped on his toe and rammed her forehead into her brother’s chin, Christopher had refused to stand as her opposite. Miss Gardner had insisted Alex step in.
Charlotte had begun with an excuse and a long speech about why she wasn’t proficient yet when Alex had said, “Stop,” holding one hand up in position for the dance and the other to his mouth in a shushing motion. His eyes were handsome even then, as they’d grown more determined. “Just give me a chance to show you.” He placed his free hand on the small of her back and gently led her one successful step and then two.
How had she forgotten he’d helped her learn to dance all those years ago? No wonder he’d been so skilled in the folk dance at the town square.
Not that it mattered now. She would remain in London with the perfect Lord Ainscough, and Alex would remain at home in Northumberland.
It was best to expunge all memories of the past.
Chapter 10
“Albeit begrudgingly, Cartwright granted metwo days off.” Alex shut the door behind him with triumphant gusto.
Moxham grinned. “I take it ye left out the purpose of the trip is to meet with the great Lord Ashley about mining practices?”
Alex chuckled. “Definitely did not disclose that detail. Men like Cartwright don’t look favorably on anyone who wants to help the working man. And Lord Ashley is one of the world’s greatest champions in that regard.” The fact that a member of Parliament would meet with someone as lowly as himself still awed him.
“I hope for other successes in Town.” Alex grinned, and Moxham raised a bushy eyebrow.
“Ye’re going to ask Mr. Roylance again for the land, aren’t ye?”
Alex swallowed. “I have to try.”
Moxham nodded. “The way I see it, if Lord Ashley will listen to ye, that Roylance fellow would be daft not to.”
Alex hoped against reason that his friend was right.
***
A week later Charlotte stood near a sideboard in the overdecorated breakfast room. The scrolling on the table and the large tassels holding back the curtains seemed too ostentatious—outward symbols that her family tried, even in small places, to show off their greatness. As she scooped a few eggs and potatoes onto her plate, she considered the best way to broach her question. Using the most nonchalant voice she could muster, she asked, “Christopher, would you say that your shirt size is similar to that of Lord Ainscough?”
“Excuse me?” Her brother was already seated, and from the gagging sound he made, she wondered if he were about to experience death by roasted potato.
“I ordered an extra shirt from your tailor several days ago.”
Christopher swallowed a large gulp of water and then set down his glass to study her. “I just ordered myself a new wardrobe upon our arrival, Charlotte. Do you think my shirts are so shabby already? And what the devil does my clothing have to do with Lord Ainscough?”
“Your wardrobe leaves nothing to be desired, I assure you.” Charlotte knew her brother was always a little insecure, wanting to make sure he appeared as good as any titled man in London. “It’s just, several days ago Lydia and I were painting in the park...”
She sat down at the table and recounted the whole of the story, and with every new sentence of information, Christopher’s disapproval lessened.
“By all means.” He brushed his hands together, a rare smile on his lips. “You may have five shirts made if you’d like to make a gift for the man!”
This was what Charlotte had feared. Her brother was already too excited about the prospect of her and Lord Ainscough together, and this only fueled his fire.
“One shirt will do, I assure you. I simply wish to replace what was ruined.”
“Perhaps we should make an outing of it,” Christopher said, pleased with himself. “I’d like to pay a visit to the man myself. He’s such a good friend to Lord Westcott, who is really someone of importance, and we can become close to his circles as well.”
“I do like Miss Ainscough.” Charlotte hoped to change the conversation. “She was very kind to me at the ball.”
Christopher peppered his food emphatically. “That’s it! If something were to happen between you and Lord Ainscough, she would be your sister-in-law!”
